Many nonprofits ask board members to complete a board member expectation agreement acknowledging their commitment to the organization and their specific responsibilities. The board member expectation form should provide a clear statement of what is expected of them.

Click here for a sample board member expectation agreement to get you started.

A board expectation agreement can include language indicating that the board member understands that their financial commitment is necessary to the success of the organization and asks him or her to indicate how they will participate financially in fundraising events and a personal financial pledge. It can also include selection of committees on which the member will serve and how the member will help open doors and cultivate donors.

If you don’t currently have a board expectation form, the development of one will give your organization the opportunity to have an honest discussion about expectations. You need all of your board members to be your biggest champions, both in their words and in their actions. Making a personally significant donation to your nonprofit and a commitment to service that advances the success of the organization are the most powerful actions that a board member can take to show their passion for your cause.

If this information was helpful, you might like to read What to Expect From Board Members During Capital Campaigns.

Melissa Sais is a consultant and communications director with CampaignCounsel.org.